How can osteoporosis in men be prevented and treated?

Posted: Sept. 1, 2004

The medical research on osteoporosis in men has been inadequate. However, experts agree that all persons should take the following steps to preserve bone health:

• Recognize and treat any underlying medical conditions that affect bone health. Identify and evaluate the use of medications that are known to cause bone loss.
• Change unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and inactivity.
• Ensure a daily calcium intake of 1000 mg/day to age 50 and 1200 mg/day over age 51
• Ensure adequate vitamin D intake. Normally, we make enough vitamin D from exposure to as little as 10 minutes of sunlight a day. If exposure to sunlight is inadequate, then vitamin D intake from supplements should be at least 400 IU (International Units) but not more than 800 IU/day.
• Engage in a regular regimen of weight-bearing exercises where bone and muscles work against gravity. This includes walking, jogging, racquet sports, stair climbing, and team sports. Also, lifting weights or using resistance machines appears to help preserve bone density. Exercise also improves balance and muscle tone and imparts a sense of well-being. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, any exercise program should be evaluated for safety by your doctor before you begin. Twisting motions and impact activities may need to be curtailed depending on the severity of your condition.

SOURCE: National Osteoporosis Foundation

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